importance of controlled INR

[gerryatriq]

interesting new report about long term poss side effects of anticoagulants.

cxvascular.com/crn-latest-n...

[BobD Volunteer]

So as not to scare too many people please note that the findings were regarding the use of warfarin AND anti-platlets (aspirin usually) or when INR was regularly in excess of target . Since aspirin has been removed from the list of recommended drugs for stroke prevention in UK we should not be too concerned about what they found in USA. I doubt too many people with AF have been on both regimes in UK since we have only recently managed to get across the importance of warfarin (or NOACs) and there is still a problem getting doctors to prescribe to patients in many cases. I don't feel that reports like this without adequate explanation are particularly helpful when the biggest problem we have is stopping the 8000 preventable strokes in UK every year by ensuring adequate protection. UK has one of the lowest percentages of AT RISK patients on anti-coagulation in Europe which is disgusting.

Bob

[Dadog in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob.

[gerryatriq in reply to BobD]

hi bob

exception must be me. I have been on warfarin and aspirin 75mg for over 8 years.

During that period I was actually on Warfarin+Aspirin + Clopidogrel (plavix)for over 3 years, and only when I suggested coming off at least one of those, was the Clopidigrel stopped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to gerryatriq]

That is VERY unusual unless you have other cardiac issues or a doctor who is still in the stone age. I can see no reason for somebody with lone AF to be so treated.

Bob

[gerryatriq in reply to BobD]

yes its true that I have 2 heart stents both done in 2005/6.

[gerryatriq in reply to BobD]

On another note, possibly like a lot on here, I have an annual `heart chat` with one of the nurses at my GP. (well they actually forgot this year, but nowt new there). Of course this is in addition to the twice yearly `chat` with my cardiologist .

At the heart chats only BP is ever taken as well as a urine sample. 2 years ago, I tested positive for blood in the urine, and on the following 2 blood tests taken over a week.

So sent for an internal bladder check, (not very pleasant). The surgeon that did that could find no other reason for the blood than being on warfarin (INR always between 2-3), and suggested that I was probably always like that, that might suspect that the same might be happening in other parts of the body. Nothing changed however.

[Hidden]

I think there's a positive message here. The doctors knew there was a link between AF and dementia but didn't understand what it is. Now they have found a link to being over-coagulated for a long period. This means that if INR is monitored and controlled we should all be ok. Good news I think. Merry Christmas!

Lis

[Dadog in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Eatsalottie.

[rosyG]

Think this is very useful in making us aware of the importance of being in range when on warfarin

[Bolander]

For nearly a year I have been on warfarin and also an antiplatelet drug (ticagrelor) after an angioplasty. I am due a follow up appointment soon, so I am even more hoping that the ticagrelor will be discontinuned, as I was originally promised, in the light of these new findings.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think that people who have bypass, stents and valve replacement are far more likely to be on both than just those with AF from my observation. I know of several with artificial valves who are on W and A together but nobody with lone AF so treated.

Bob

[Hidden]

Something else to worry about.